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A controversial bill relating to asbestos, and more specifically, to mesothelioma and compensation claims, has failed to move forward following a majority vote against its introduction.

The bill was largely opposed by victims and support groups for a number of reasons, not least because it appeared to be offering asbestos companies a way out of bankruptcy and financial ruin by placing a ceiling limit on payouts to mesothelioma victims and their families.

US Senator Patty Murray, who was one of those that opposed the bill, stated in a speech that the bill failed victims in a number of ways:

• The awards were too small
• The trust fund was inadequate
• It failed to educate Americans about the dangers of asbestos
• It fell short on research, tracking and treatment for asbestos related diseases
• It put unfair burdens on family members of the victims
• It allowed insurance companies to reduce the amount awarded to victims

Another 49 agreed with Murray, and the bill failed on a 50-47 vote in April 2004. Murray also added that, having worked for three years with mesothelioma victims, she could not possibly have backed the bill.

She also notes that the bill would have radically reduced the amount that mesothelioma victims were awarded, and could have placed restrictions which means that some families of victims would not get anything at all.